Sweet & Salty Heaven: Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

Sweet memories flood back when I whip up these delectable salted caramel apple pie bars that blend nostalgia with pure indulgence.

Crisp autumn apples mingle with rich, golden caramel in a dessert that promises pure comfort.

Layers of buttery crust cradle tender fruit beneath a luxurious caramel blanket.

Warm spices dance through each bite, creating a symphony of flavors that speak directly to your soul.

Crumbly textures and smooth caramel make this treat irresistibly decadent.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical on your kitchen counter.

Dive into this recipe, and you’ll discover a dessert that turns an ordinary afternoon into an extraordinary moment of bliss.

Keeping Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Soft and Sweet

• Store cooled bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the caramel sauce separate in a sealed jar to maintain the bar's crisp texture.
• Wrap the entire uncut pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut bars into squares, wrap each separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for quick single-serving treats.
• Keep bars at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving within a short period. Place in a covered container away from direct sunlight to preserve freshness.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking for the best texture.

• Is it necessary to peel the apples before slicing?

While peeling is optional, it’s recommended to remove the skin for a smoother texture and easier eating. If you prefer, you can leave the skin on for added nutrition and rustic look.

• How do I know when the caramel is ready?

The caramel is ready when it turns a deep amber color and has a rich, golden hue. Be careful not to burn it, as caramel can quickly go from perfect to burnt. Stir constantly and watch the color carefully.

Why Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Wins Smiles

• Celebrate Easily: Perfect for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or weekend treats that bring everyone together with minimal kitchen effort.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these cookie bars a go-to dessert for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Soft, sweet bars with creamy frosting and colorful sprinkles guarantee smiles from kids and adults alike, creating instant dessert happiness in every bite.
• Customize with Creativity: Swap sprinkle colors for different seasons or events, making these bars a versatile and adaptable sweet treat for any celebration.

Must-Haves for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• All-Purpose Flour: A classic base that provides structure and texture to the shortbread crust.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Sugar: Brings sweetness and helps the crust achieve a golden color.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.

• Apples: The star ingredient that provides a sweet and slightly tart foundation for the bars.
• Sugar: Helps caramelize the apples and adds additional sweetness.
• Flour: Thickens the apple filling and prevents excess moisture.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, classic spice that complements the apples perfectly.
• Nutmeg: Provides a subtle, earthy warmth to the filling.
• Cloves: Brings a deep, aromatic spice to the apple mixture.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents browning and adds a bright, tangy note to the filling.

• Flour, Oats, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Salt: Create a crumbly, sweet topping with depth of flavor.
• Cold Butter: Helps create a crisp, crumbly streusel texture.
• Granulated Sugar: The base for creating the rich caramel sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness to the caramel.
• Sea Salt: Provides a perfect balance to the sweet caramel, creating a sophisticated flavor profile.

Clear Instructions for Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350F. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or give it a light grease coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Buttery Crust Foundation

• Melted butter
• Sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Stir in flour until a soft dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan.

Bake for 15-18 minutes until it turns a delicate golden color. Let the crust cool completely.

Step 3: Toss Together Apple Filling

• Thinly sliced apples
• Sugar
• Flour
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Lemon juice

Gently mix the ingredients, ensuring the apples are well coated. Set aside while you prepare the next layer.

Step 4: Whip Up Crunchy Streusel Topping

• Flour
• Oats
• Brown sugar
• Cinnamon
• Salt

Add cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to create coarse, crumbly texture.

Step 5: Layer and Assemble

Spread the apple filling evenly over the cooled shortbread crust.

Generously sprinkle the streusel topping across the apple layer.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the pan back into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown streusel and tender apples as your cue that it’s ready.

Step 7: Craft Luxurious Salted Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt sugar while stirring constantly until it transforms into a deep amber color.

Add butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking until smooth.

Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt.

Step 8: Drizzle and Serve

Once cooled, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the bars.

Slice into generous portions and serve with extra caramel sauce for those who want an extra indulgent treat.

Advice for the Best Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Slice apples thinly and uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the bars.
• Use cold butter for the streusel topping to achieve a crumbly, crisp texture that adds delightful crunch to the dessert.
• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and structure in the filling.
• Watch the caramel sauce carefully while cooking to prevent burning; remove from heat the moment it turns deep amber to maintain perfect flavor.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to help them set and make slicing cleaner and more precise.

Different Styles of Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Autumn Harvest Bars: Replace apples with a mix of pears and cranberries for a seasonal flavor profile that captures fall's essence.
• Nutty Crunch Edition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra texture and rich, earthy undertones.
• Spiced Maple Variation: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup in the streusel and drizzle maple-infused caramel sauce over the finished bars for a deeper, woodsy sweetness.
• Rustic Berry Blend: Incorporate mixed berries alongside apples to create a vibrant, tangy filling that complements the buttery crust and caramel sauce.

What to Pair with Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars

• Cozy Family Dessert Night: Cut these bars into small squares for an easy-to-share treat during movie nights or after dinner. Everyone can grab a piece and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors together.
• Autumn Potluck Sensation: Bring these bars to fall gatherings or thanksgiving celebrations. They'll be a crowd-pleaser with their perfect blend of sweet apples, buttery crust, and rich caramel drizzle.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair these bars with a hot cup of chai or cinnamon tea for a delightful midday indulgence. The spiced apple and caramel combination creates a luxurious snacking experience that feels like a mini dessert escape.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Salted caramel apple pie bars combine classic comfort with modern dessert innovation. Layers of buttery crust, spiced apples, and rich caramel create a delightful treat you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating, then position the oven rack and heat to 350F.
2. Craft the foundational shortbread layer by blending melted butter with sugar, vanilla, and salt. Incorporate flour until a cohesive dough emerges, then press uniformly into the prepared pan. Bake 15-18 minutes until achieving a delicate golden hue, then allow to cool completely.
3. Create the apple mixture by combining thinly sliced apples with a harmonious blend of sugar, flour, aromatic spices, and a splash of lemon juice. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
4. Construct the crumbly streusel topping by whisking flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Integrate cold butter cubes using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles rustic, coarse crumbs.
5. Layer the dessert by spreading the seasoned apple filling across the cooled shortbread base, then generously scatter the streusel topping for textural contrast.
6. Return to the oven and bake 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the streusel transforms to a rich golden tone and apple filling becomes tender and bubbling.
7. Develop the salted caramel sauce by carefully caramelizing sugar over medium heat, stirring consistently until reaching a deep amber color. Introduce butter, then gradually incorporate heavy cream, whisking to create a smooth consistency. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and allow slight cooling.
8. Finalize the dessert by artfully drizzling the warm caramel sauce over the cooled bars, creating an enticing presentation ready for serving.

Notes

• Ensure apples are uniformly sliced for even baking and consistent texture throughout the bars.
• Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of caramel and provide crisp texture.
• Keep butter cold when making streusel topping to create those delightful, crumbly clusters that add amazing crunch to the bars.
• Allow bars to cool completely before cutting to help them set and maintain clean, beautiful slice lines.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 40 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg